Community News
Finding Joy

What does “Joy” mean to you? The dictionary defines it as a noun, “A feeling of great pleasure and happiness”. Some say that joy comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are. Joy means something different to each person. Author Robert Holden suggests affirming every day: “Today I will follow my joy”. Spiritual Teacher Eckhart Tolle teaches that Joy can flow from deep within us out to the world. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow more JOY in your life.

SOS Supports the Community

Did you know that District 69 reports higher unemployment than other BC region? Single parent families in our region have lower incomes than other BC regions. Nearly half of renters in our region spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, if they can even find housing. SOS is committed to supporting families and individuals experiencing hardship. We provide food vouchers and advocacy support, deliver healthy meals through our Meals on Wheels program, and help connect people with professional counsellors, and much more. We have a plan to reach more and do more to help lift our residents out of poverty.

Sugar in Your Diet Affects Your Teeth

The sugar content in the food you eat has a big effect on your teeth and gums. Acid that attacks the teeth is produced when bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth. This can eventually result in tooth decay which is why drinking sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks takes a toll on teeth. Even foods such as milk and vegetables that have important nutrients that are important in our diet, contain sugar. To help control the amount of sugar you consume, read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars.

Nutritional Insecurity

I always find that as the weather changes, I move from eating lots of soups and winter roots to lighter fruit and vegetables. However, sometimes it is hard to get my hands on my favourite healthy foods and I wind up eating the stuff that is easier at hand and faster to prepare. Does this sound familiar? For approximately one third of seniors in Canada, factors including ease of access, cooking time, mobility, loneliness and more, contribute to nutritional insecurity. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help you shop, prepare and enjoy healthy home-cooked meals! Give us a call:

Wellness for Fathers’ Day

Does the man in your life have a closet full of Father’s Day ties? This year, show him that you care about his wellness and give him socks – VoxxLife socks. They have wearable technology that works with the brain to reduce pain, increase strength and endurance and enhance stability and balance. Knee high socks with mild compression are great when standing for a long time or excess sitting. For the active walkers or runners, chose moisture wicking socks to keep the feet cool in summer. Socks are available for contactless pick-up or delivery in Central Vancouver Island or order directly from the website.

Retirement Community Living

With all of the fears about Covid-19, people are struggling to make a decision about moving into a retirement community. It is reassuring to know about the extra cleaning, extra staff, adherence to wearing masks and social distancing rules. Yet it is the fear of the unknown that makes it hard to make a decision. What will happen when I move in? Can I leave? Can I see loved ones? May I have visitors? How are concerns handled? Reach out to the communities, ask your questions so that you can rest assured that you have all the facts to able to make an informed decision.

Gaming Disorder Support

Gaming disorder can be a significant barrier to living a fulfilling life. Yes, there are friends and a deep sense of community in the virtual world but nothing replaces a hug, or the feeling that your friend genuinely cares about your wellbeing. At VI Gaming Support, we care about people’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, efficacy, and desire to be part of a loving caring community. That’s why we are dedicated in supporting people to restore their sense of health and wellbeing. We believe that by providing rejuvenating services, we can support people to reset, regroup, and restore their lives.

Sounds to Help You Relax

Sound and soothing music can help you relax even during these trying times. Try this simple exercise: sit quietly for a few moments and then think of a very loving experience. As you think of this loving experience, begin to sound a very gentle “ah” sound. Make this sound as a long, extended sound: “Aaaaaahhhhh” and think about love, peace and calm. Feel your heart chakra resonate with this sound. Feel your heart center opening, balancing and aligning with this energy. The “ah” sound is excellent for working with the energy of the heart center and triggering relaxation.

Allow Time for You

When did you last take the time to just BE? We are often too busy DOing instead of BEing. As Mac Davis sang in 1974, “Stop and Smell the Roses”. Take time to relax; take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of life. If you’ve stopped to smell the roses, it means you’ve taken time out of your day to notice them. Taking time for yourself is not selfish. It is very important to take care of yourself. A Certified Body/Emotion Code Practitioner can help you release any unprocessed negative (trapped) emotions to allow YOU to take time for YOU.

Drug Free Pain Relief

If you have pain, your first impulse may be to reach for a pill but there are other options. The sensation of pain occurs when a pain receptor (nociceptor) detects a painful stimulus somewhere on the body. VOXXLife has developed a technology (VOXX HPT) that triggers a neuro response that helps the brain maximize its natural pain fighting mechanisms. This HPT technology, which works with the neuroreceptor on the bottom of the feet, is incorporated into VOXXLife socks and insoles. Benefits include enhanced pain relief and management, especially PDN pain, enhanced postural stability and balance, improved mobility and higher energy levels.

Have a Happy Retirement

As retirement age draws near, most of us develop a vision of what those years will look like. Active senior living communities give older adults the support they need to live their best life. Research shows that older adults who have purpose often live longer, healthier lives. Moving to an active senior living community will provide you with access to life-enrichment programs, volunteer opportunities, the companionship of peers, and a variety of activities and programs to participate in. Each of these can aid in finding purpose once you are no longer raising a family or pursuing a career.